Its an excellent filter for a reasonable level of intelligence.
Which is why they dislike it.
Not a perfect filter, none is.
Anyone who is going to be any use at troubleshooting technical problems can do algebra. If they are having trouble its almost always due to lousy preparation.
Can be fixed with a bit of diligence.
I’m an Analyst, I graduated with a 3.7 PGA and with honors. I have more than a reasonable level of intelligence.
I excelled in accounting. I damn near flunked Algebra and let’s not even discuss geometry.
Intelligence, learning, academic interests...all different for everyone. My oldest son was a music major and he despised Algebra as well. My youngest son is a high school freshman doing college level calculus with straight A’s.